James "Jim" Diebold's Obituary
Jim Diebold of Fort Gratiot (formerly of St. Clair) died on June 24, 2024 at his Fort Gratiot home at the age of 88 years. Jim was born February 12, 1936 in Detroit. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 38 years, Ruthann – “A better, more loving wife, no man could ever have”, as Jim would often say.
Jim is survived by his daughters Julie M. Joyner and Jill L. Thomson (Art). Additionally, Jim was loved and respected by his grandchildren Michael and Sean McManaman, Jonathan Bevier, and his four Thomson step grandchildren: Gordon (Heather), Chris, Dan, and Kelly; sister Jeanne Komornik (Ron) of Virginia Beach, brothers Jack (Joann) of Rochester, and Jere (Nancy) of St. Clair along with many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by parents Fred and Mary Frances Diebold, sons John Thomas, James Stephen, Steven Michael; brother Jody (Marty), Ruthann’s parents Von and Barbara Bandy, brother-in-law Dick and his wife Rosalie Bandy.
Jim loved having two dinner dates weekly with his beloved Ruthann, working together in their home, going everywhere together and coffee dates at Nieman’s Corner Café, while holding court with all who stopped by, sharing his long library of jokes, with Ruthann patiently smiling.
He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Clair where he served on the Parish Council, various committees and projects, was an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist and Sunday morning Rosary group and attended daily Mass with Ruthann.
He graduated from Sacred Heart grade school in Roseville, St. Mary’s High School in Mt. Clemens and Macomb Community College (Electro Engineering Technology).
Funeral services will be held at the Young Funeral Home, 4061 St. Clair Hwy., China Twp 48054. Visitation: Friday, June 28, 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm with a rosary at 7:00pm.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Zuelch at 11:00am, June 29, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 415 N. Sixth St, St. Clair. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Clair following the Funeral Mass. Memorials may be made to St Mary’s Catholic Church, 415 N. Sixth St., St. Clair, MI 48079
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